60-pitch temporary site at Land Of Former Whitchurch Sports Centre Bamfield, Bristol

What was proposed

The application sought three-year permission for up to 60 pitches, divided into three areas with water, toilets, waste facilities and fencing.

“OFFICIAL The application seeks a 3-year temporary permission for a meanwhile site containing up to 60 pitches and ancillary works. Ancillary works include 3no water standpipes, temporary fencing, waste storage and WCs.”

“Please see attached plans for further information and details regarding the principle of ‘meanwhile sites’.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The vacant land was formerly occupied by a sports centre, has public transport nearby, and is partly within a housing and park allocation.

“The site relates to vacant land to the west of Bamfield in the Hengrove & Whitchurch Park Ward of Bristol. The site was most recently occupied by the Whitchurch Sports Centre however as the site was demolished in 2025, the site remains unused at present.”

“The site is not located within any Conservation Area and does not contain any TPO protected trees. The site is located within the southernmost point of the Hengrove Park Site Allocation for ‘Housing, offices and open space in the form of a large high quality park’ however this allocation is not to be carried over to the emerging Local Plan…”

Officer report

Earlier use and planning history

The site previously hosted a COVID-19 meanwhile use, later experienced squatting, and has outline permissions for large-scale redevelopment.

“The site has previously been utilised by Bristol City Council as a COVID-19 meanwhile site, prior to the demolition noted above. Following the closure of the meanwhile site in 2022, it is understood that the site was squatted with no input or management from the Council, prior to eviction.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard officers’ presentation and a representation from the Chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee supporting the proposal.

What members discussed

Members supported managed temporary accommodation on a suitable brownfield site, while stressing management, phased delivery, fire safety and monitoring of air-quality concerns.

“Committee members made the following comments: • Members noted the scale of the vehicle dweller population across the city and referred to the recently adopted Van Dwellers Strategy, which identified meanwhile sites as a key response. The proposal was considered an important and appropriate measure to provide managed, serviced, and temporary accommodation, with impacts on neighbouring residential amenity addressed through conditions and phased delivery.”

“Members expressed reassurance that concerns raised by residents were addressed within the site licence and management arrangements. Reassurance was noted regarding the fire safety measures. • Members considered the site appropriate and the proposed number of pitches acceptable, given effective management and the temporary nature of the permission.”

Minutes